IR ?

will this
5ft IR Extender Cable (Receiver) https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=8060#QuestionsandAnswers

work with the 976 and it's remote control? specifically, if i plug into the ir in will i be able to close my cabinet, point the remote at the 5ft IR Extender Cable (Receiver) and control the 976? thx.

Yes, you should be all set. Of course it's only $3.07 plus S&H so even if wrong it won't cost much

just like to get it right the first time. and, i appreciate your input. thank you, EEman.

I'd still like to know if anybody's specifically compared the 976's SQ to the 990's.

It may be the population that owns both is pretty small. I would expect the 976 to sound better than the 990 if you can hear very well.